Stephanie Mayweather is accused of misusing public funds while working for East Division Crime Victims Services
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane’s office today announced the arrest of a woman accused of misusing approximately $15,000 in public grant money for her personal gain while working as an executive for a crime victims advocacy organization in Philadelphia.
Stephanie Renee Mayweather, 52, worked as executive director of East Division Crime Victims Services when the alleged theft occurred. She is accused of using the grant money to unlawfully pay for purchases at grocery and convenience stores, meals at restaurants, her personal cell phone bill, hotel stays, gasoline for her personal vehicle, parking, rental cars and college tuition.
“It is extremely troubling that a person hired to help provide vital services for crime victims took advantage of the system for her personal benefit,” Attorney General Kane said. “We will continue to prosecute individuals who violate the public trust and break the law by misusing public money.”
Mayweather is charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received. She was charged following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, which was aided greatly by investigators with the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General.
According to a criminal complaint filed in support of the charges, Mayweather was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of East Division Crime Victims Services, a nonprofit started in 1993 to provide free services for victims and witnesses of violent crimes in south Philadelphia. The organization receives funding from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Mayweather’s duties included maintaining policies and financial records, as well as ensuring compliance with funding sources and paying the organization’s bills.
A review of a checking account associated with East Division Crime Victims Services showed numerous charges were being made that were unrelated to services for crime victims. Further investigation showed the charges personally benefited Mayweather, investigators allege in the criminal complaint. The alleged theft took place between January 2010 and May 2013.
The Office of Attorney General assumed jurisdiction of this case after receiving a formal referral from the Office of General Counsel.
Attorney General Kane thanked the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General and the Office of General Counsel for their assistance with this investigation.
Mayweather, of Mullica Hill, N.J., was arraigned Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. She was released on her own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 25.
This case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Michelle L. Laucella of the Office of Attorney General’s Criminal Prosecutions Section.
Source: PA Attorney General
